Cucumbers and gherkins market in Norway

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market volume for cucumbers and gherkins in Norway increased from 27 181 t to 30 218 t. This growth was supported by a significant expansion in domestic production, which rose from 17 462 t to 21 650 t over the same period. In 2018, Frostagrønt invested NOK 30 million to expand its greenhouse capacity, becoming the country's largest cucumber producer with an annual output of 3 000 t. This investment boosted local production capabilities and contributed to the rising market volume in the following years.

The market volume then fell to 28 174 t in 2022 and further to 25 546 t in 2023. The decline coincided with the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the fruit and vegetable sector, which introduced uncertainty and higher costs at the start of 2022. Additionally, the implementation of the EU ban on cultivating organic cucumbers in limited growing media in greenhouses, postponed to 2022, put pressure on organic production. While Norwegian producers continued investing in advanced greenhouse technology in 2023 aiming to increase output and future self-sufficiency, the overall market shrank as imports dropped substantially from 8 568 t in 2021 to 5 747 t in 2023.

Production cucumbers and gherkins in Norway

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of cucumbers and gherkins, 2018-2021

World map of production of cucumbers and gherkins, 2018-2021

Norway's production of cucumbers and gherkins has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 21 650 tonnes, marking a 2.2% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 24%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports cucumbers and gherkins from Norway

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import levels varied significantly, with a 41-fold difference between the peak in 2018 and the low in 2021. In 2021, Norway's exports of cucumbers and gherkins abroad amounted to just 0.2 tonnes, a sharp 93.3% drop compared to 2020. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 36.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Norway's exports of cucumbers and gherkins were primarily directed toward the Netherlands, which accounted for 96.7% of total exports in volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Norway in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Export volumes varied 18 times from the high in 2018 to the low in 2021. In 2021, Norway's export value for cucumbers and gherkins reached 1 000 US dollars, reflecting a 75.4% contraction year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 87.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020, at 79.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Norway in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the 2018–2021 period, the Netherlands served as the main market for Norway's cucumbers and gherkins in value terms, consistently absorbing 91.4% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Norway in value, 2018-2021

Imports cucumbers and gherkins to Norway

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Norway's imports of cucumbers and gherkins from abroad increased. In 2021, imports totaled 8 568 tonnes, up 6.0% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 11.9%, with an average annual decline of 4.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 8 080 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 16.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Spain remained the dominant source for imports in volume, holding a 70.6% share of total flows, while the remainder was fragmented across other markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decrease, Norway's imports of cucumbers and gherkins rose. In 2021, imports totaled 16 017 000 US dollars, representing a solid 16.9% increase year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 17.1%, equating to an average annual decline of 6.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 13 700 000 US dollars, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 20.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Norway in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In the 2018–2021 period, Spain and the Netherlands were the dominant sources for imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 95.7% of total flows, with the remaining share distributed among other markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Norway in value, 2018-2021